Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

July 26-27, 2012
Saskatoon, SK

For Immediate Release

Great scoring highlights MJT-CPGA Saskatchewan Junior Championship at The Willows

Saskatoon, SK – (July 28, 2012) – Two playoffs were needed in the Boston Pizza-presented Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour’s MJT-CPGA Saskatchewan Junior Championship at The Willows Golf and Country Club in Saskatoon on July 26-27, which saw a full field of 77 players from Manitoba, Alberta and all over Saskatchewan take advantage of great weather for perfect scoring conditions.

Aaron Vogel, 18, of Regina, SK, a junior member at Wascana Country Club, was crowned MJT-CPGA Saskatchewan Junior Boys 17-19 Champion after firing a fantastic final round of five-under-par (72–67=139) to edge first-round leader Justin Paradis, 18, of Prince Albert, SK, and Cooke Municipal Golf Club, by just one stroke. Paradis had carded a brilliant 68 on day one but his solid even-par on day two (68-72=140) was not enough to hold off Vogel, who said, “I had no idea how close I was to the first day leaders so I just tried to go as low as possible and stay aggressive. It feels great to play two consistent rounds.” Outstanding scores continued in the tightly contested division with Leighton Bearchell, 17, of Saskatoon and Hillcrest Golf Club, firing 69-72=141 to finish third.

Cory Selander, 15, of Prince Albert and Cooke Municipal Golf Club, forced a playoff in the Boys 14-16 division after he came from behind to card a sizzling four-under-par 68 on day two to tie for the lead at 141 total score with Drew Kocur, 16, of Regina (71-70) and Royal Regina Golf Club, however Kocur rallied to birdie the first playoff hole and capture the MJT-CPGA Saskatchewan Junior Boys 14-16 Champion’s title in style. “My personal highlights were my long birdie putts on 13 and 14 to stay in contention,” said Kocur. “It feels good to finally win – I have been close but finally won one!” Brett Pasula, 15, of Red Deer, AB, and Red Deer Golf and Country Club, shot fine rounds of 72-70=142 to place third in the division.

A tight battle in the Boys 13 and under division saw Kade Johnson, 13, of Yorkton, SK, and Deer Park Golf Club (77-76), win with a birdie on the first playoff hole against Michael Valk, 13, of Medicine Hat, AB, and Medicine Hat Golf Club (75-78), after both players had tied for the lead at 153 total score. “My shot in the playoff hole was my highlight,” said Kocur, who rated the Willows course ‘in great shape as always.’ “I had 77 yards and my ball was almost in the bunker – I almost holed it and tapped in for birdie to win. It feels great to win my third MJT in a row.” There was a tie for third place just one stroke back of the leaders at 154 total score between Roman Timmerman, 13, of Saskatoon and Wildwood Golf Club (78-76) , and Noah Kozack, 13, of Regina and Royal Regina Golf Club (75-79=154).

13-year-old Brooke Hobson of Prince Albert, another Cooke Municipal Golf Club junior, ran away with the MJT-CPGA Saskatchewan Junior Girls Champion’s title after firing rounds of 81-78 (159). “I played really well but for a nine on the last hole,” said Hobson. “It would have felt better if I didn’t take a nine on the last hole but it still feels good to come out with a win.” Second place went to Brooke Hill, 16, of Regina and Royal Regina GC (88-88=176) while Kayla Sawchuk, 13, of Prince Albert, came back with 88 on day two after a tough day one (103-88=191) to take third place.

The divisional skills competition winners were Keighton McNab of Saskatoon, DJ Sayese of Prince Albert, Tyler Mryglod of Weyburn, SK, and Avery Wilson of Swift Current, SK, in the Mr. Lube Long Drive Competition, and Justin Bourassa of Regina, Drew Kocur, Jessy-Lee Lacher of Swift Current and Erykah Pool of Swift Current in the Sundog Eyewear Closest-to-the-Pin competition. Golf Town Comeback awards went to Justin Bourassa, Joshua Livingstone of Kindersley, SK, and Kayla Sawchuk.

The final MJT stop in Saskatchewan this season runs August 25-26 at Elk Ridge Resort in Waskesiu, a qualifier for the Future Collegiate World Tour (FCWT) PGA West event in the USA. For more information please visit www.maplejt.com or call 1-877-859-4653.


About the MJT:
The non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour presented by Boston Pizza is Canada’s premier and only national junior tour run exclusively by Canadian PGA Professionals and the ‘Road to College Golf’ for aspiring young players. The organization hosts more than 60 events across Canada, including free Ford Go Golf Junior Clinics, the MJT Mini Tour for 7-13 year olds, and multi-day events for competitive players which also qualify juniors for international competitions. The MJT offers annual awards, scholarships, and frequent player incentives to help reward player's performance and participation throughout each season. MJT alumni include many Professional Tour players and Canadian PGA Professionals, as well as Canadian Amateur, National and Provincial Junior Champions. The MJT aims to develop champions, in golf and in life, promoting the game from grassroots through to provincial, national, university and professional level. For more information please visit www.maplejt.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: MJT - Elaine Denton - edenton@maplejt.com - 1-877-859-GOLF